While there is no immediate sign of significant rainfall, it will happen one day. When that time arrives, it would be satisfying to have a rainwater tank installed to capture as much free rainwater as possible.
Why let a precious resource run away when it can be economically captured for a multitude of uses around the home? By using rainwater, you save money on your water rates and contribute to a better environment.
A rainwater collection system can be installed in a day or two so that you are rain ready.
The first step is to contact a reputable company that specialises in rainwater systems as opposed to a contractor who only does one or two installations a year.
Your chosen contractor may give you an indicative quotation over the phone based on the information provided or visit you to assess the site and discuss a solution with you.
When you proceed, he will provide a stable level base upon which to position the tank, connect to one or more downpipes and supply and fit a pump to deliver water under pressure around your home for gardening, washing the car and paving.
If required, the pump can be connected to toilet cisterns and the cold-water washing machine tap. But this is work that can be done at some future time once you have become familiar with how much water you use. Once connected to the household outlets you do require a water switch to automatically switch from tank to mains water supply. This would occur if the tank was to run dry or in the event of a power failure – rendering the pump inoperable.
Tanks are made from either polyethylene to set sizes, or custom made in steel. Poly tanks have advantages – seamless construction, more robust having thicker wall section, cheaper per capacity.
Finally, install as large a tank as possible. Larger tanks offer economy of scale and with greater capacity, see you through a dry period for longer.
Don’t delay – install a rainwater tank and be “rain ready”.